Pellegrini happy with Sterling game

MANUEL Pellegrini believes Raheem Sterling will prove his worth after being overshadowed on his Manchester City debut.

The £49 million forward played second fiddle to City’s old guard as they eased to a comfortable 3–0 win at West Brom.

David Silva deflected in a Yaya Toure shot for the opener before the Ivorian left no doubt about the second goal, with Vincent Kompany’s second–half heading giving City a deserved win in their opening Barclays Premier League game.

Sterling played 74 minutes at The Hawthorns before being replaced by Samir Nasri and was denied a debut goal. Pellegrini said he was happy with the 20-year-old former Liverpool star’s contribution.

He said: “Raheem played 70 minutes very well. It is not easy for him to play a new style with new team-mates. He worked a lot and had two clear chances. If he continues to play like this I am sure he will be the player we bought.”

Silva deflected in Toure’s shot for the opening goal with the visitors’ dressing room giving the Spain star the credit. Pellegrini reckons the Ivory Coast star will shine again following a dominant display at The Hawthorns.

He said: “We spoke before the start of the season and I am very sure we will see the Yaya from two years ago. He is an important player for us. It is very difficult for a player when you have so many problems."